Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage in the capital city of Caracas and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the Caribbean.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck near Montalbán, west of the coastal town of Morón, at 18:04 local time. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 13 kilometers.
Only minutes later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region. Its epicentre was located around 16 kilometers southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The USGS warned that the twin earthquakes could cause widespread devastation. The agency stated that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” initially estimating that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
Authorities had not immediately released official figures regarding casualties or injuries.
The tremors were felt across several parts of Venezuela and were also reported by witnesses in neighbouring areas.
The back-to-back earthquakes caused major damage in Caracas, where residents rushed out of swaying buildings as walls collapsed and dust clouds rose over parts of the city.
Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that several buildings had been damaged in the capital.
Speaking on state television, Cabello said the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had witnessed “alarming situations” involving collapsed homes and buildings. He urged residents to remain outdoors, warning that aftershocks could lead to further structural damage.
He also indicated that people had been injured in the disaster and appealed to motorists to keep roads clear for emergency responders.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
Following the earthquakes, the US Tsunami Warning System issued tsunami threats for Venezuela, Aruba and Bonaire. Tsunami advisories were also issued for Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center additionally issued alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Emergency services were deployed across affected areas as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and searched for possible victims trapped in collapsed structures.
The Venezuela quakes come amid a day of intense global seismic activity, with other significant earthquakes also reported, including M5.6 in California (USA), M6.9 in Japan, and the twin M7.1 and M7.5 earthquakes in Venezuela, raising concerns over heightened tectonic activity across multiple regions.
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